Yes, a foreign national can convert their B1/B2 tourist visa to an F1 Student Visa if eligible. The B1/B2 visa is a tourist visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the US temporarily. At the same time, an F1 is a student visa that allows foreign nationals to study in the country for a certain period. Foreign nationals can visit the country for holidays and business, and later on, after reaching the country, they can change their visa to an F1 visa if they match the eligibility criteria.
Under Section 24(a), US immigration allows certain foreign nationals to change their B1/B2 non-immigrant visas and convert them to F1 visa.
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Eligibility to convert B1/B2 visa to an F1 Visa
Once an applicant entered the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa, they should have met the following conditions if they want to qualify to transition to an f1 student visa:
- Lawfully admitted into the U.S. non-immigrant visa B1/B2 visa
- Doesn’t have any criminal record
- Successfully maintained their visa status
- Acceptance by a U.S. school
- Sufficient funds to support yourself
Requirements to convert B1/B2 visa to an F1 Visa
Below are the requirements to convert B1/B2 visa to an F1 Visa:
- Form I-539 (Application to extend/change non-immigration status)
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant student status)
- Proof of financial stability
- Have significant ties to their home country
- Additional document
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Ways to change the B1/B2 visa status to F1 visa
Below are the mentioned steps to change B1/B2 visa status to F1 visa:
Step 1: Acceptance to a U.S. School
To change the visa status from a B1/B2 visa to an F1 student visa, a U.S. educational institution must accept the student to their institution.
Step 2: Form I-20 Application
Once applied and accepted, authorization will be given to issue the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status). The Form I-20 is an essential requirement for students to change their status application.
Step 3: Form I-539 Application
Once a U.S. school accepts the application of Form I-20, they must file Form I-539, an application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This application formally requests to change your status from B1/B2 to F1 student visa.
Step 4: Change of Status Approval
If the U.S. government approves the change of status application, the applicant will be granted F1 student status. This status allows an applicant to study full-time in the U.S., pursue a degree or certificate program, and work on campus.
Step 5: Pre- Intention to Study
U.S. visa regulations require applicants to issue a B1/B2 visa only to visit the country, not to study or extend their stay. So the applicant must make sure to be clear in the interview process.
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